Prioritizing Personal Safety – YouthReclaim Academy
Welcome to the Prioritizing Personal Safety chapter of YouthReclaim Academy! This empowering track equips young women ages 13-22 with tools to build safety networks, respond to unsafe situations, and set boundaries.
Our mission—Heal, Balance, Thrive—guides this journey through engaging, age-appropriate learning.
Why Personal Safety Matters
Physical Protection
Use safety apps, buddy systems, and trusted check-in routines to reduce risks at school, on public transit, and when going out. Learn how to identify safe places and what to do if you feel unsafe, like finding a trusted adult or contacting help services.
Emotional Security
Practice recognizing red flags in relationships, and learn assertive communication to say no to unwanted situations. Build your confidence to trust your instincts and take action when someone crosses your boundaries, whether with friends, family, or strangers.
Digital Wellbeing
Set strong privacy settings on social media, avoid sharing personal info with strangers, and know how to block or report harmful behavior. Recognize signs of online harassment or digital manipulation and know when and how to reach out for support.
Building Your Safety Network
Identify Trusted Adults
Choose at least three adults—like a parent, teacher, school counselor, or family friend—who you feel safe with. Make sure they listen, maintain confidentiality, and believe your experiences.
Share Your Plans
Tell a close friend or your trusted adults where you'll be—such as when heading to a study group or event. Set up a special code word with your safety contacts to use in texts or calls if you ever need help without raising suspicion.
Memorize Key Resources
Save and practice memorizing important phone numbers like a parent, a close friend, your school's main office, and professional hotlines (e.g., National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY). Keep a physical list in your wallet or backpack just in case.
Responding to Unsafe Situations
Recognize Warning Signs
Pay attention to your body’s signals—feeling uneasy, anxious, or wanting to leave. Notice specific red flags: someone ignoring your “no,” following you, asking for secrets, or isolating you from friends.
Respond Assertively
Use clear words and confident body language: say, “Please stop,” “I don’t feel safe,” or “I need to leave.” Walk away toward a safe area or trusted group, and avoid explaining or apologizing for leaving.
Seek Help Immediately
If you feel threatened or uncomfortable, call or text a trusted adult, school counselor, or designated emergency contact. In emergencies, call 911 or a local crisis line—your safety always comes first.
Setting Safety Boundaries
Physical Boundaries
Let others know what physical contact is okay and what’s not—say “I’m not comfortable with hugs, but a high-five is fine.” Stand up for your space in crowded areas and let trusted adults know if someone violates your boundaries.
Digital Boundaries
Make your social media accounts private and only accept friend requests from people you know. Always block or report contacts who send unwanted messages, and use a code word with trusted friends during online chats to signal if you need help.
Emotional Boundaries
Choose when to engage and when to walk away from conversations that feel hurtful. Tell friends or adults when someone is repeatedly rude or disrespectful, and remember it’s okay to mute, unfollow, or block to protect your well-being.
Engaging Activities for Safety Skills
1
Safety Network Challenge
Choose three adults you trust—such as a teacher, coach, or family member. Call or message each person, explain that you are creating a safety plan, and ask for permission to list them as emergency contacts. Practice how you would reach out to them for help in a real urgent situation.
2
Safety Response Role-Play
With a friend or in a group, act out scenarios like being followed after school, receiving pressure at a party, or facing cyberbullying online. Take turns practicing calm, assertive responses—saying “No, I’m not comfortable,” finding a safe exit, or using a code word to signal for help. Discuss how it felt and what might work even better.
3
Boundary Setting Game
Play an interactive digital quiz or card game where you respond to different situations—for example, a classmate asks for your phone password, or a friend makes you uncomfortable with personal questions. Practice polite but firm ways to set physical, digital, and emotional boundaries, and get feedback on your choices.
Connecting with YouthReclaim Community
Share Safety Tips
Post strategies you've learned to inspire peers on the Reclaim Wall.
Seek and Offer Support
Ask for advice and respond to peers with encouragement.
Celebrate Safety Wins
Share milestones and earn achievement badges for progress.
Sustaining Your Safety Journey
Practice Regularly
Review safety networks weekly to stay prepared.
Stay Vigilant
Check privacy settings monthly. Update safety plans as needed.
Connect Often
Engage on the Reclaim Wall. Join monthly YouthReclaim meet-ups.
Trust Instincts
Act quickly if situations feel unsafe. Seek help without hesitation.
Your Next Steps
Sign Up
Create your free account at shereclaims.life
Start Building
Set up your safety network or practice a role-play
Join Community
Post your introduction on the Reclaim Wall
Your Safety Is Your Power
Your safety is your power. This chapter guides you to build a strong network, respond to challenges, and set boundaries with community support.
Ready to prioritize your safety? Sign up at unknown link today.